Month: December 2016

When Rakeem signed up for Goodwill’s mentoring program at age 14, he said, “I didn’t have anything positive going on in my life. I come from a very tough neighborhood, and wanted to steer clear of problems.”

Rakeem had been diagnosed with a learning disability and was held back three times in high school. This would be discouraging for anyone, but with the support of his mentor, Kevin, a U.S. Marine veteran, Rakeem excelled. He persevered, completed a summer internship with Goodwill, graduated, and was hired for our Family Learning Center. “It was my turn to be a role model for younger students!” Rakeem said.

Rakeem was also able to explore other interests, including photography. His outstanding work led to an internship with the Josephine Herrick Project. He says, “Goodwill didn’t just give me a summer activity, I got a job and made connections that will impact my future.”

Rakeem’s story is not unique. Every day, around the country, people are helped by the same kind of services that Rakeem has benefited from. Those services — which include job placement, virtual and in-person job training, skills building and employment services — are funded by donations to Goodwill’s retail operations. For example, a used computer, when donated to Goodwill, can fund more than four hours of career counseling at a Goodwill center.

In 2014, 94,655 peopleaccessed the Goodwill services they needed to succeed.

At Goodwill NYNJ, we hope that this holiday season, everyone will fight for job creation, purpose and opportunity. Each of us is able to make a real difference simply by giving a financial gift or donating our stuff to Goodwill.

Rest assured, when you do that, you create opportunities for others who are trying to find a job and build skills, including veterans and military families, single mothers, youth and many others, including people like Rakeem.

Here’s wishing you and your family the very best holiday season and a joyous new year.

To find out more about what we do and do not accept, visit our website.

Like this:

So, lets be honest shopping for everyone in your family is already a tough job. Now imagine you have a whole bunch of in-laws (or soon to be in-laws OR just your significant other’s family) to cover also. Now that’s time and money some of us don’t have. You want to make everyone feel special this of year, of course. But how can we do that and still be able to afford coffee on January 1st? Well, I have the perfect idea!

Like this:

After sharing How To Style An Ugly Christmas Sweater, I felt inspired to create an easy DIY for this season. I was asked so many questions on where to find an “ugly sweater” and BOOM, it hit me. In case you’re having a hard time locating a colorful cheerful piece to wear, I put together this easy tutorial. All you will need to make your Ugly Sweater are 3 items! Check out the tutorial below!

The holiday season can be an extremely stressful time of year. Buying presents, entertaining family and eating until you can’t breathe can take a lot out of a person. With that being said, what’s a better way to relax by none other than celebrating with an “Ugly Christmas Sweater”?